Saturday, March 31, 2018

Sterlingham Now Offers a Rose Gold Finish

Somewhere between icy white gold and warm, sophisticated yellow is the soft glow of the popular Rose Gold finish. Sterlingham Company Ltd. has embraced this candy-coated trend in the midst of often impersonal metallic and is now offering a Rose Gold finish on the brand's line of bath accessories. At once modern, romantic, and somehow unexpected, Rose Gold was created in nineteenth-century Russia, when Carl Fabergé (of Fabergé egg fame) opted to blend yellow gold with copper to create the alchemic, blush-toned hybrid, originally called "Russian gold." Its popularity cemented within the market, Rose Gold has since sprinkled everything from bath fittings to our favorite gadgets with its welcome flecks of pink. Rose Gold is the perfect complement to Sterlingham's fine line of bathroom accessories. From toilet paper holders to shower baskets and towel bars to towel hooks (like the model shown Double Coat Hook) the Rose Gold finish joins the brand's stunning finish options such as polished brass, polished chrome, polished or matte nickel, antique gold, copper and bronze. Each component in Sterlingham's bath accessory line is hand polished and assembled after plating.

BLANCO Introduces Their CERANA II Fireclay Apron Front Sink

BLANCO recently introduced the eye-catching CERANA® II Fireclay Apron Front Sink. Retaining the same beauty and style of its predecessor, the CERANA II features an exquisite blend of durability and versatility making it the perfect kitchen statement piece. Crafted with artisan hand-finishing techniques and high-firing temperatures, the CERANA II boasts a lustrous finish and sleek silhouette. Now available with an included Stainless Steel Sink Grid for added protection, the CERANA II's unique reversible design features two different corner styles allowing for a choice of contemporary or traditional décor applications. The new BLANCO CERANA II is now available in both 30" and 33" single bowls with white and biscuit color options.
  • BLANCO CERANA® II DETAILS:
    • Ultra-durable gloss surface fired at of 2,100°F
    • Stainless steel bottom sink grid included
    • Center drain location
    • Limited lifetime warranty
    • Requires custom installation
    • Cannot be shipped UPS
  • CERANA II 30" Single Bowl with Apron:
    • Outside Cabinet: 33"
    • Bowl Depth: 9-1/4"
    • Front Apron Depth: 10"
    • Sink Walls: ¾"
    • Actual Ship Weight: 80lbs
  • CERANA II 33" Single Bowl with Apron:
    • Outside Cabinet: 36"
    • Bowl Depth: 9-1/4"
    • Front Apron Depth: 10"
    • Sink Walls: ¾"
    • Actual Ship Weight: 91lbs

Franz Viegener Announces Their Ban of Online Sales

Franz Viegener recently announced the decision to ban online sales of its products. The decision was made to ensure and preserve brand quality and service while also supporting its Authorized Dealer network that has an investment and strategic alliance with the company. A part of the strategy also precludes showing any pricing on the Internet or allowing any of its dealers to sell the products online. John Weinstein, North American director said, "We encourage our dealers to promote our beautiful products online so they're searchable, however, we want the purchasing experience to be personal; offering our showroom sales staff the opportunity to be part of the sales process. By doing this, both the consumer and the sales associate have a stake in the movement of product. This strategy offers the consumer the ability to easily address any product questions or concerns while affording the sales associate an opportunity to advise, offer care information or suggest other items which may be required to complete the installation."

AXOR Launches Their New U.S. Dedicated Website

The AXOR brand announced the launch of a new, dedicated, US website. Shining the spotlight on AXOR, a brand of the Hansgrohe Group, the site www.axor-design.com offers an informative, and visually rich digital design experience. Anchored by several elegantly displayed core feature areas, the online resource is tailored for discerning and design-savvy consumers, as well as design professionals. Features include practical considerations, such as product collection overviews and interactive customization tools, as well as inspirational content, such as project reference galleries and complementary editorial exploring art and culture. At a glance, the new AXOR brand website includes the following core areas:
  • Products: Bathroom collections, ranges and product overview
  • Tailor-Made: Customization and bathroom planning with AXOR
  • Inspiration: Bathroom and kitchen inspiration from AXOR
  • AXOR Storybook: Architecture and design in bathrooms and kitchens
  • AXOR Brand: Philosophy, showrooms, designers and AXOR WaterDreams

Friday, March 30, 2018

Newport Brass' New Dorrance Collection

Newport Brass introduced Dorrance to its illustrious bath lines. Clean and edgy, Newport Brass' latest collection interprets the fundamentals of modern design by combining a balanced blend of artistry and made-in-California craftsmanship. Offered with lever or refined cross handles, the widespread faucet remains current and customizable. Dorrance's thin, ADA-compliant lever handles fit well in a contemporary setting though they are also at home in a traditional bathroom. When configured with cross handles, Dorrance - together with a popular black matte finish and angular spout - marries the classical and cutting edge. An added plus, the widespread faucet not only meets WaterSense requirements but surpasses them at 1.2 gpm. Equally impressive, Dorrance meets the water-saving standards established by the California Economic Commission and CALGreen.The Dorrance collection includes a full line of matching bath accessories comprised of tub fillers, shower and bidet sets, as well as a wall-mounted faucet option. Like all Newport Brass products, Dorrance is made of solid brass construction and is available in 27 finishes including a selection of PVD choices.

Friday, March 23, 2018

American Standard's New Patience Collection

New from American Standard, the Patience Collection of bath and shower faucets offer a classic design. With a soft, elegant shape inspired by the vintage style of Queen Anne furniture, the Patience Collection of bath and shower faucets provides a variety of special features to make them a perfect choice for any sophisticated bath:
  • The collection comes in four popular finishes - polished chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel, and legacy bronze.
  • The Patience pressure balance shower set features TRIMendous universal valve technology that allows homeowners to change trim after installation without needing to rip out tile.
  • Lavatory faucets offer a WaterSense-certified flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute (gpm), while the multi-function showerhead uses only 1.8 gpm, which is 40 percent less water than conventional showerheads.

Steamist Introduces Their New Steam Package EliteStream

Steamist presents Elite Steam, a new steam shower package that brings greater accessibility to the company's high-quality steam products.  Elite Steam makes the consumer's process of buying and installing a steam shower as simple as the shower itself. Elite Steam's four preconfigured bundles take the guesswork out of steambath shopping while saving consumers money. What's more, Elite Steam makes the process of adding a steam shower system easier, regardless of the size of the bathroom thanks to the compact design of the Elite Steam generator.  It can be installed in almost any small space near the shower, such as a vanity or closet. From the generator's high-quality stainless steel tank to the attractive polished chrome, polished nickel, or brushed chrome control, a steam shower system by Elite Steam offers a lavish in-home spa experience, along with Steamist's dependable quality and service, at a fraction of the cost of conventional steam systems.

The New Element Raffine Collection from Wetstyle

The new Element Raffiné collection from WETSTYLE is the perfect embodiment of Scandinavian design, featuring pure lines without any extra embellishment. The impeccable quality and finish of this minimalist collection lend an elegant and serene atmosphere to the bathroom. Element Raffiné will blend in seamlessly with both contemporary and classic decors. Key features include:
  • Available in 24 to 72 inch lengths
  • Can be combined with Element washbasins 
  • Finished drawers and inner pull-out drawer included 
  • Premium slow closing ball bearing glide
  • Extra deep linen cabinet with full height mirror door
  • Lift up mirrored cabinet offered in 24 to 72 in. lengths

Nantucket Sinks' New GlacierStone Apron Front Prep Station Kitchen Sink

Nantucket Sinks introduced the GlacierStone™ Apron Front Prep Station Kitchen Sink. GlacierStone™ is a durable, heat resistant and fade resistant sink that can be installed as an apron front or an undermount and comes packed with prep-station accessories. Built-in machined ledges hold the included maple cutting board and a stainless steel colander. Also included is a deluxe colander basket drain. This sink will not crack or chip. GlacierStone™ has a nonporous surface that is hygienic and helps to ward off microbes. Because of its material composition, it can withstand thermal shocks and temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Solid material throughout, it carries a 15-year warranty against any discoloration. The glacier-white finish is glossy inside and matte finished outside. Exterior dimensions are 30" x 20" x 9.875", while the interior is 27" x 15" x 9" deep.

Samuel Heath Adds Two New People to Their US Team

Samuel Heath recently added two new people to their team in the United States:
  • Rosalyn Morrison (pictured on the left) - recently joined Samuel Heath to manage the Southeast and Midwest territories. She has an array of experience in the nonprofit, public, and startup sector, and she is enthusiastic about the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware industry. Rosalyn spent 5 years as a lobbyist in DC, 2 years as a teacher in South Korea, and a short stint in tech in San Francisco before joining Samuel Heath. While in DC, she worked on international wildlife trade and animal welfare campaigns and multi-lateral environmental agreements. She has lived in France, Belgium, South Korea, Washington, Spain, and Russia, and currently resides in San Francisco. Samuel Heath is the second British company she has worked for and her main responsibilities will be growing sales in her territories through Samuel Heath's dealer network, developing new partnerships, and creating relationships with architects and designers to collaborate on residential and commercial projects. Rosalyn holds a BA in French and International Trade from Clemson University and a MS in Conservation from the International University of Andalusia. She may be reached at rosalyn.morrison@samuel-heath.com or (415) 828-2293.
  • Staci Mendelsohn (pictured on the right) - is the representative for Samuel Heath in the New York/Tri State area. Staci comes to Samuel Heath with a background in Architectural Hardware and Plumbing and prior to working for Samuel Heath, she worked in two high-end kitchen and bath showrooms. She has lived in New York City for 6 years and before working with the A+D community worked in fashion merchandising. Staci will be growing sales in her territories through Samuel Heath's dealer network, fostering relationships with architects and designers and helping with specifications. Staci brings a positive and upbeat energy to the Samuel Heath team. She attended American University in Washington DC where she has a BA in Business and American Studies. Her contact information is staci.mendelsohn@samuel-heath.com and (917) 364-4825.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Victoria + Albert Launches Their Website Color Simulator Tool

Victoria + Albert announced the launch of a new color simulator tool on its website that allows online visitors to view any of the company's bathtubs and basins in their full range of finishes. These include gloss black, matte black, stone grey, light grey, matte white, Anthracite and their signature ENGLISHCAST® glossy white finish. Color is playing a more prominent role in bathroom design as homeowners and designers look to elevate the space from a plain white "box" to a room full of personality. Victoria + Albert makes it easy to choose a beautiful color finish for bathtubs and sinks, which may be coordinated with other bathroom elements such as vanity furniture and accessories to create a look that is luxurious and cohesive. Victoria + Albert takes a painstaking approach to its color finishing, using a multi-layered process and a special catalyzed paint with hand-polishing between applications. The technique lends an exceptional depth and luster to the final finish that is markedly more durable than hand-painted surfaces.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

John Brannan Joins Stehr Enterprises

Effective March 1, 2018 Stehr Enterprises has added a new member to its team in the Maryland, Virginia and DC Metro markets. Debby Stehr of Stehr Enterprises announced that John Brannan, formally of Magruder Associates, a sales representative agency in the high-end kitchen and bath market in the Northeast, has joined the company to help grow their overall business, increase their marketing, sales and training presence in the territory and increase market share in their sales area. John has years of experience in business in the sales and marketing arena from both the consumer goods manufacturers side of the equation as well on the sales rep side. He has managed representative sales teams all over the US and Canada and has worked directly with sales agencies for over twelve years.  John is a good strategic thinker and market analyst who can help us become a stronger business partner with their customer base and factories, and Stehr Enterprises is excited to have John join the company.
 

RUBI's New Vertigo C Collection from Kasa Distribution

Carbon is a basic element of all life. With water, it becomes a perfect match to give a luxurious touch to a complete collection of faucets for the bathroom. With a long plunging spout, the new Vertigo C from RUBI/Kasa Distribution features a modern-style handle adorned with carbon fiber. In an eco responsible concern, the handle moves so as to naturally favor a consumption of cold water. Its sophisticated look comes in two finishes: either dressed entirely in rich black or in a timeless chrome, each with a touch of carbon. An original design adding to the classic Vertigo Collection, it comes available as a single-lever washbasin faucet, a wall-mounted washbasin faucet, a free-standing bathtub faucet and a deck-mounted bathtub faucet.

Michael Sullivan Named Hamilton Sinkler's National Sales Manager

Hamilton Sinkler welcomed Michael Sullivan as its National Sales Manager, bringing his 30 years of experience working with decorative showrooms across the USA, to the company. Michael joins Hamilton Sinkler to lead the company's push to become a major national purveyor of luxury custom door hardware while also expanding its mid-level product offerings to become a preferred everyday hardware vendor for its showroom partners. Based out of the New York City area, where he continues to grow the Artelinea glass vanity & mirror brand, Michael will travel throughout the USA setting up, training and servicing Hamilton Sinkler's luxury showroom partners with its collections of fine decorative hardware.

Friday, March 16, 2018

American Standard's New Studio Bathtub with Fold-Over Edge

Showcasing clean, modern lines, the new American Standard Studio Bathtub with Fold Over Edge allows for simplified installation of customized alcove tubs in home remodels. Offering a deep, roomy bathing well with integral lumbar support, this minimalistically styled Studio tub provides extra comfort to the bather, as well as improved safety with its textured bathtub floor. The convenient fold over edge and sleek, apron-less design allow the front apron to be finished to match the décor of the bathroom. To simplify retrofit installation, this tub is offered in remodel-friendly sizes to fit a standard alcove or any new construction applications. It includes integral three-sided tile flanges to prevent water seepage, creating a water barrier and making installation easier. Its high-gloss acrylic construction with fiberglass reinforcement provides durability and lasting shine. Reflecting sleek, geometric styling, this beautifully tailored tub is designed to complement the existing collection of Studio bath fixtures and faucets, making it easy to build a perfectly coordinated modern bathroom setting.

Friday, March 9, 2018

hansgrohe's New Metropol Collection

The most comprehensive series of hansgrohe brand faucets to date, the new Metropol™ collection by creative team, Phoenix Design, is characterized by a cube shaped body enhanced by geometrical contours and rectangular lines. The three different lavatory faucet heights within the series, as well as several different handles, spout heights, and configurations, provide individual leeway for users. Faucet handles include a flat lever handle, delicate loop handle, or integrated Select technology, which allows for water to be turned on and off with the push of a button. The collection also includes coordinating free-standing single-hole tub fillers, as well as roman tub trims. The entire faucet collection comes with Hansgrohe's QuickClean® feature meaning that dirt and limescale can be easily rubbed off. Available finishes include chrome and brushed nickel.
  • All three single-hole faucet models provide options for personal preference and offer a low-flow rate of 1.2 GPM.
    • The Metropol 110 single-hole faucet allows for enough space to meet everyday needs, while the Metropol 260 single hole faucet offers extra space at the sink. 
    • The comfort and convenience offered by the new Metropol 230 single-hole faucet with side handle is exemplified in its adjustable, swiveling spout - the spout can be easily moved to the side before or after use, thus freeing the sink for other purposes. 
  • For those with three-hole installation needs - the Metropol 110 and Metropol 160 widespread faucets are a great fit. 
  • There is also a wall-mounted single handle faucet trim, the Metropol 225.

LACAVA Partners with Premier Decorative Group in Southern California

LACAVA is excited to announce that they have partnered with DPHA's 2017 Rep Agency of the Year, Mary Labowitz and the Premier Decorative Group to proudly represent LACAVA in the Southern California Territory. They are confident that Mary and her team will take all facets of LACAVA to the next level. If you have any questions regarding the transition, please reach out to Patrick Weidl, Western U.S. Regional Manager for LACAVA. 

WETSTYLE's New Frame Linea Collection

WETSTYLE's Frame Linea is the next generation of the award-winning Frame collection, inspired by traditional Japanese architectural elements, combining elegance with function. The signature floating fixtures that make up this line add panache to your walls while maintaining a sense of lightness. Frame Linea features an all wood construction with natural wood veneer. The finish is an AWI rated level 5 marine grade finish for moisture resistance and durability (industry's highest finishing class). Key features include:
  • Available in 18 to 72 inch lengths
  • Hand pull crafted in solid wood (1)
  • Finished interior drawers (2)
  • Premium slow closing ball bearing glide
  • Can be combined with Cube or Déco Collection washbasins
  • Available finishes for vanities and linen cabinets:
    • Oak - natural / wenge / white / black / stone harbour grey / coffee bean / smoked
    • Walnut - natural no calico / chocolate
    • Matte lacquer - white / black / stone harbour grey 
  • Option: Vanity drawer fronts can be outfitted with white glass inserts in a polished or matte finish (not available on 42" model)

ICERA's Newly Restyled Palermo II Toilet

ICERA started the new year with a new look for one of its most popular toilets - the Palermo II. This updated model has a sleek, sophisticated look that is decidedly more modern than its predecessor. Its minimalist style is both elegant and chic, making it an attractive choice for today's contemporary bathrooms. This two-piece toilet design features a compact-elongated bowl that is chair-height for ADA compliance and includes thoughtful touches such as a Silent-Close quick-release seat and cover. Crafted of vitreous china, the Palermo II is available in a white or balsa glaze and with a choice of five beautiful metal finishes on the tank lever and hardware. ICERA is known for its powerful flushing and water-saving technology, and the Palermo II delivers on both fronts. This high-efficiency toilet requires just 1.28 gallons per flush, thanks to ICERA's EcoQUATTRO™ flushing system with high-performance gravity-fed flushes. This exceptional toilet was engineered to include an oversized 3" flush valve, a fully glazed 2 1/8" internal trapway, and a large 9" x 7" water surface area with optimized jets and an antimicrobial MicroGlaze finish for an exceptionally clean bowl.

Nostalgic Warehouse Adds White Milk Glass to Waldorf Knobs

Proving the adage "everything old is new again," Nostalgic Warehouse has expanded its line of Waldorf knobs to include a new take on a vintage-inspired classic - white milk glass. This translucent glass originated in 16th century Venice and was especially popular in the United States during the early 1900s as dishware, vases and lighting fixtures. Nostalgic Warehouse has brought classic milk glass back to the fashion forefront with a new line of beautiful hardware. By pairing the milky glass with an octagonal shape, the company has created a stunning look that is certain to complement a wide variety of décors. Measuring 2" in diameter, the White Milk Glass Knobs are mounted on a solid forged brass plate for exceptional durability and beauty. With twelve different brass plates to choose from, customers have the opportunity to create a combination that suits their personal style. Options include long back plates with Craftsman-style cutouts, traditional rosettes with intricate rope detailing, and short back plates with bold geometric shapes. Further customization is available by choosing one of eight distinctive finishes, including antique brass, antique pewter, bright chrome, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, polished brass, satin nickel, timeless bronze and unlacquered brass.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Hydro Systems Adding a Georgia Manufacturing Facility

Hydro Systems announced it will soon be opening a new manufacturing facility in McDonough, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. This new operation will initially create 60 manufacturing jobs and hopefully increase to 100 within the first year. Furthermore, this plant allows Hydro Systems to expedite manufacturing and shipping to the eastern United States. Hydro Systems expects this facility to be fully operational during mid-year 2018.  Additionally, it will allow orders placed by east coast customers to still be hand-crafted and custom made but delivered in about a week instead of waiting 3-4 weeks for products to be shipped from the California manufacturing facility.

BLANCO Announces The 2017 BLANCO by Design Contest Winners

BLANCO announced the five winners of its first annual 2017 BLANCO by Design contest. Entrants were required to submit a kitchen or small space design featuring one BLANCO sink and one BLANCO faucet for a chance to win up to $5,000. The BLANCO by Design contest ran from August to November 2017 and winners were hand selected by a panel of esteemed design professionals including - Patricia Davis Brown, founder of Patricia Davis Brown Designs; Janice Costa, editor Kitchen & Bath Design News; Jaime Derringer, founder and executive editor for Design Milk; Veronika Miller, founder and CEO of Modenus and Steven Williams, program director for DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids). The five 2017 BLANCO by Design contest winners were:
  • Grand Prize Winner awarded to Fred Alsen of FMA Interior Design (the grand prize winning entry is pictured)
  • First Place-Kitchen awarded to Keslie Muhlenbruch of Minnesota Cabinets
  • First Place-Small Kitchen Space awarded to Cheryl Kees Clendenon of In Detail Interiors
  • Honorable mention awarded to Michele Alfano of Michele Alfano Design
  • Honorable Mention awarded to Karen Kassen of Kitchens Unlimited.

Turnstyle Designs Launches Their Edge Wing Scroll Leather Cabinet Handles

February saw the launch of the Edge Wing Scroll leather cabinet handle from Turnstyle Designs. Mortice out the top edge of a drawer or cupboard and the handle will sit flush, securely fitted with co-ordinating screws. Available in five durable bridle leather finishes - chestnut, chocolate, black, tan and slate gray - with a choice of seven end cap finishes - bright chrome, satin nickel, polished nickel, polished brass, fine antique brass, vintage nickel and vintage patina.  There are also five lengths to choose from - 90 mm, 140 mm, 190 mm, 240 mm and 290 mm.  And if you happen to be in London during London Design Week (March 4 through 9), be sure to visit the Turnstyle Design showroom to take a sneak peek at products  launched in 2018.

Friday, March 2, 2018

American Standard's New Advanced Clean SpaLet Bidet Seat Collection

American Standard's new Advanced Clean SpaLet bidet seat collection is an affordably priced line of bidet seats, featuring an environmentally conscious design combined with a simple, intuitive interface that allow users to achieve superior individualized cleansing. The Advanced Clean SpaLet seats feature two independent, self-cleaning nozzles, providing users with the complete freedom to personalize the cleansing experience. Water spray strength, water temperature, massage spray force, and seat heating can be adjusted to deliver customized comfort and hygiene. For the user's added convenience, these bidet seats include an activated charcoal deodorizer that is easy to access and maintain. An elongated, slow close seat and lid are detachable with one easy click for thorough cleaning. Further enhancing the seats, the self-cleaning nozzles are rinsed with water before and after each use, and feature a shutter that covers the nozzles when not being used. In addition, antibacterial protection is applied to the seat, cover, nozzles and control panel to inhibit the growth of bacteria. The Advanced Clean SpaLet bidet seats are offered with remote control, side panel operation or manual function.

Kraus USA's New Dex Kitchen Sinks with DrainAssure

Kraus USA showcased their latest kitchen and bath innovations at the 2018 KBIS, which included their new proprietary Dex™ DrainAssure™ water way technology. The Dex™ kitchen sink series is the first to market with DrainAssure™ technology, engineered to direct water into the drain even when the sink is full of dishes, so there never will be standing water in the bottom of the bowl. Dex™ is customizable, with 3 ways to make it uniquely yours: VersiDrain™, FlipCap and DrainAssure™ covers. Kraus USA's Tru16-guage stainless steel is virtually indestructible and will never chip or crack. and the Radiant Pearl Finish leaves a long-lasting shine. Additionally, Noise Defend™ Technology is designed with extra-thick rubber sound dampening pads to absorb noise and vibration, and the tightly rounded corners maximize bowl size while offering more room for stacking and washing dishes.